Ultrasound-Activated Antibiotics to Prevent Spinal Infections
Official title: Preventing Spinal Infection: Ultrasound Triggered Prophylaxis
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11455426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new method uses ultrasound to release antibiotics directly at spinal hardware to help prevent infections after spine surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2016 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $609,904 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AR069119-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults undergoing spinal fusion surgery who are at risk for post-surgical infections and would benefit from improved prophylactic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing spinal fusion or those with infections already established may not benefit from this prophylaxis approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to prevent spinal infections by creating a biodegradable pocket that releases antibiotics when triggered by ultrasound. It will test different antibiotics and optimize ultrasound settings in lab models and rabbit studies. The goal is to stop bacteria from forming biofilms on spinal implants, reducing the need for extended hospital stays and hardware removal. The research builds on prior work and seeks to translate a targeted, short-term prophylaxis approach to patients undergoing spinal fusion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could dramatically lower infection rates after spine fusion and shorten recovery times.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in this area has shown promise in preventing infection with targeted antibiotic delivery, but this specific ultrasound-triggered system is novel and builds on earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forsberg, Flemming — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Forsberg, Flemming
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.